Super Eagles reaction plan: How Nigeria aim to fix issues exposed in Poland draw vs Portugal

Super Eagles and Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez has urged the Nigerian Football Team to learn from their mistakes against Poland ahead of their clash with Portugal, Afrik Foot reports.

The 24-year-old was included in Eric Chelle’s starting lineup against Robert Lewandowski’s side, his third appearance for the Super Eagles after making his debut against the Islamic Republic of Iran back in March.

Fernandez played the entirety of the first half, keeping Lewandowski in check before Calvin Bassey replaced him at the start of the second half.

Super Eagles reaction plan: Emmanuel Fernandez eyes bounce back

While the game against Poland saw the Super Eagles play scintillating football, a lack of concentration led to last-minute goals in either half, tying the game.

With the scoreline ending at 2-2, Fernandez wasn’t too displeased with his teammates following their outing at Stadion Narodowy.

“I think we’ve done well. In moments, we conceded, so, it’s not something we want to happen,” the Rangers Men’s Player of the Year told Ubuntu Pitch.

“But as a team, we did well as a collective to create enough chances to win the game.

Nigeria will play against Portugal next Wednesday, and the three-cap Super Eagles defender maintained that they’re keen to amend their Poland mistakes against Cristiano Ronaldo’s side.

“Oh, 100%, I think everyone’s fit and ready to take on Portugal next week.

“We’re going with the same fight we showed against Poland, we’re going there for a win,” Fernandez concluded.

Will Fernandez’s plan work against Portugal?

The Super Eagles played well against Poland, but Portugal are far superior. Roberto Martinez’s side are currently placed 5th in the FIFA Rankings, but that’s not all.

They house four key players [Goncalo Ramos, Joao Neves, Vitinha and Nuno Mendes] from the Paris Saint-Germain side that were crowned European Champions last week.

Fernandez’s hunger is good, but when Chelle’s men come up against a five-time Ballon d’Or winner in Cristiano Ronaldo, and the Premier League assists record holder, Bruno Fernandes, that alone won’t cut it.

Given that Portugal have the most technically balanced midfield, the Super Eagles will most likely sit deep, and follow every inch of Chelle’s tactics to avoid defeat at Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa.

Should the Super Eagles manage victory in Portugal, they’ll give Ronaldo’s side a stern warning of what they’re about to face at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.